Verlander to make Spring-debut Thursday

Tigers ace Justin Verlander threw a 30-pitch bullpen session, and manager Brad Ausmus expects him to make his first start of the spring against a Philadelphia split squad Thursday.

Verlander had surgery in January following a groin injury.

"I think the feeling from the get-go was that, because of the type of shape he kept himself in, this was a guy that might have the ability to be back in time to start the regular season," Ausmus said. "It seems like he's on track for that right now."